Chapter 259

At these words, Richard’s expression darkened.

He thought, ‘The Jean family found their long-lost daughter? It must have been Ross who found her. No one else would go to such lengths to find his sister.’

Coincidentally, the details of the Jean family had just arrived in Richard’s inbox. It detailed the breakdown of Jameson’s marriage, his frequent overnight stays at his mistress’ place, as well as the power struggles between him and his eldest son in the company.

The root of the conflict lay in Jameson’s illegitimate child. Blinded by favoritism, Jameson grew increasingly wary of Ross, his firstborn.

Ross had once been sidelined and stripped of authority, but after taking the reins, he led Jean Group to its most prosperous era in years.

Richard thought, ‘I could help Ross seize full control of Jean Group.’

Last autumn, Ross had located his sister, Shermaine, who had been missing for 14 years, and brought her back to the Jean family. The siblings shared an exceptionally close bond.

When Richard saw Shermaine’s photo, his hands trembled. He had never imagined that the doctor who had saved him in Rodunst was Shermaine, Juliana’s daughter, the heiress of the Jean family, and the wife of York Group’s CEO. The revelation left him pale and unsettled for a long time.

This discovery shattered Richard’s long-held plans. His original intention had been to find Juliana’s daughter and bring her to Rodunst to keep Juliana company. But as always, plans never survived reality.

Richard owed Shermaine a life debt. He might never be able to repay what he owed her and Ross.

More importantly, after years by his side, Richard couldn’t bear the thought of parting with Juliana. Jameson didn’t deserve her, but keeping her away was deeply unfair to Shermaine and Ross.

Torn by guilt, Richard left, weighed down by his thoughts. Unbeknownst to him, Juliana had arrived shortly after his departure. She was a sharp woman, so neither Richard nor his subordinates had realized she had left Rodunst and followed him here.

Juliana had no idea why Richard had come here, but after arriving, she unexpectedly found herself enchanted by this place.

The moment Jay saw her, his eyes lit up. “You… You look just like Sheary! You’re her mother?”

Juliana froze. “Sheary? I don’t know her.”

Jay eagerly told her all about Shermaine, even pulling out photos–one from when she was six and the rest were taken recently after her return.

As Juliana stared at the childhood photo, her breath hitched. It felt like a stone had been dropped into the still waters of her heart, sending ripples surging.

She continued studying the photos, watching the little girl blossom into a stunning young woman.

Suddenly, a splitting pain shot through her brain as if fragmented memories were forcing their way in. In her mind, a sweet, giggling little girl called her “Mommy.”

Juliana felt like she was sinking into quicksand, struggling to stay afloat. Her face twisted in agony, and with a stagger, she collapsed unconscious.

Jay panicked and immediately called for help.

After leaving Maple Leaf Ville, Richard dialed Juliana’s number. However, the call was answered by her friend in Rodunst, who claimed Juliana was “busy with something else” and couldn’t come to the phone.

Richard’s mind was too tangled to question it further. He hung up without pressing the issue. In no hurry to return to Rodunst, he decided to extend his stay in Basterel for a while longer.